BASINGSTOKE and North Hants second eleven’s Southern League Division Two campaign did not get off to the best of starts, as they lost at Liphook and Ripsley by 95 runs.

The home side put into bat made 259-4 from their 50 overs as Suman Ganguly top scored with an unbeaten 68 and Grant Rouse finished unbeaten on 52, as they shared an unbroken fifth wicket stand worth 99.

Earlier, opener Rob Nicklin hit 55 and was one of two wickets for Keith Harris.

The Basingstoke reply was soon in trouble with their top four were all back in the pavilion with only 20 scored.

Steve Bucksey (31), Joe Oates (32) and Graham Porter (24) helped the Bountymen to an all out score of 164.

This Saturday, they are at home to Paultons.